Peanut Butter Ramen Noodles

Calling all instant ramen lovers and peanut butter enthusiasts! This recipe isn’t necessarily new, but it’s a revelation for those who haven’t yet experienced the magic of peanut butter ramen. It’s a simple yet transformative way to elevate your instant noodles into a surprisingly flavorful and satisfying meal.

More Than Just Instant Ramen:

• Simple and Speedy: This recipe requires minimal effort and cooks up in a flash, making it ideal for busy weeknights or late-night cravings.
• Creamy and Flavorful: The addition of peanut butter creates a rich and creamy broth that takes your instant ramen to a whole new level.
• Highly Customizable: This recipe is a foundation for your creativity. Feel free to personalize it with your favorite vegetables, proteins, and toppings.

A Tribute to the Origins:

The author acknowledges the inspiration for this dish, crediting it as a simplified version of Dan Dan Noodles, a classic Sichuan noodle dish featuring a spicy chili-peanut sauce.

Why You’ll Love This Peanut Butter Ramen:

• Crispy Korean Gochujang Tofu: (Optional, but highly recommended!) This crispy tofu adds a delightful textural contrast and a burst of savory flavor to the dish.
• Warm, Spicy, and Comforting: The combination of peanut butter and gochujang creates a creamy, spicy broth that’s both comforting and addictive.
• Dietary Friendly: This recipe is naturally vegan and can be easily adapted to be gluten-free by using gluten-free noodles. Feel free to add your preferred protein for additional customization.

The Basic Peanut Butter Ramen Recipe:

Ingredients:

• 1 package instant ramen noodles (flavor packet discarded)
• 2 cups vegetable broth
• 1 tablespoon creamy peanut butter
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce
• 1 teaspoon Sriracha or chili oil (adjust to your spice preference)
• 1/2 teaspoon grated ginger
• Sesame oil, to garnish (optional)
• Scallions, chopped, for garnish (optional)

Instructions:

1. Bring Broth to a Boil: In a saucepan, bring the vegetable broth to a boil.

2. Add Flavor Boosters: Once boiling, stir in the peanut butter, soy sauce, Sriracha, and ginger. Whisk until the peanut butter is well combined and smooth.

3. Cook the Noodles: Add the instant ramen noodles (without the flavor packet) to the broth and cook according to package instructions.

4. Serve and Enjoy: Ladle the ramen soup into bowls. Drizzle with sesame oil and garnish with chopped scallions, if desired.

Tips:

• Feel free to experiment with different types of peanut butter, such as crunchy or naturally flavored.
• For a richer broth, add a splash of coconut milk or sesame milk.
• This recipe is a great base for customization. Add your favorite vegetables, such as shredded carrots, bok choy, or bean sprouts.
• If you’re not vegan, consider adding a protein like cooked chicken, shrimp, or a soft-boiled egg.
• Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.

Final Thoughts:

Peanut Butter Ramen Noodles are a testament to the power of simple ingredients and culinary creativity. With its creamy peanut butter broth, optional crispy tofu, and endless customization options, this dish is sure to become a favorite for busy weeknights or anytime you crave a comforting and flavorful meal. So ditch the bland instant ramen and embrace the world of peanut butter ramen!